Brum Bulletin: With exclusive UoB prizes inside
Spoilers ahead! Here's only some of what's inside:
- UoB Xtra bookings are live, your summer starts here.
- Have you claimed your chance to win £150 yet?
- Slay the day by marching with us at Birmingham Pride on Saturday 23 May.
- If you've got a business idea, we've got £500 to fund it.
- We've got a merch-tastic double competition for you.
News
Book now for the ultimate summer experience
It’s official - the first wave of UoB Xtra events is now live and bookings are open!
Once the main summer assessment period wraps up (11 May–6 June), get ready to dive into a packed schedule of timetabled activities, opportunities and events running from 8–26 June.
From the outdoor cinema to employability and skills sessions, it’s your chance to unwind after a busy year while building skills and making the most of campus life.
How's prep for your assessments going?
From helpful study resources to information on study spaces, wellbeing information and student advice, your UoBe Ready hub has everything you need this exam season.
Your chance to win £150 is still pending...
Final years and PGTs - your feedback helps us to make improvements across campus. Fill in your survey and have the chance to bag £150; there are 10 prizes up for grabs, that's 5 per survey!
Important IT alert: Phishing emails going around
A targeted phishing campaign is circulating across universities, with convincing emails and fake sign-in pages. Find out how to spot them and how to stay safe.
Birmingham Pride is on its way, come and slay!
Join us on Saturday 23 May as we march with the Guild of Students and seven local universities in celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, unity and equality.
Birmingham Parade isn’t just a queer festival, it’s a takeover. The streets will come alive with live performances, thousands marching to celebrate LGBTQ+ equality and generally good vibes all weekend long
Have a business idea? Get £500 for it
Did you know we offer seed funding for your business idea? Whether you’ve registered your business or not, you could receive £500 to get help you started.
Interested in computing and BlueBear?
The BEAR challenge, running from 17–19 June, gives you access to industry-leading speakers, technical challenges, prizes and more. No computer science background required! Register before 1 May.
Freedom of speech at the university
Freedom of speech and expression are common phrases but learning how they work at university is important.
Universities don't only share facts—they're communities built on open debate, critical thinking and exchanging ideas. That means your voice matters, even if your views differ from others.
Dates for your diary (aka things to do)
Upright piano performances
Friday 24 April, 14:30-15:00
Ikon Gallery
Experience Angela de la Cruz’s Upright Piano activated through a series of free live performances by students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and professional musicians from Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG).
Birmingham City Football Club Women vs Ipswich Town Women
Sunday 26 April, 14:00-17:00
St Andrews, Knighthead Park
Get student tickets from just £3 for this Sunday's final home match of the season for Birmingham City Football Club Women's team, as they take on Ipswich Town Women's team!
Artisan Market
Tuesday 28 April, 10:00-16:00
University Square
Head down to campus as we welcome local craftspeople and producers onto campus, bringing baked goods, homemade produce, handmade items, vintage and unique gifts, crafts, and street food.
Much is Lost, Much Remains exhibition
Friday 1 May, 10:30-16:30
Winterbourne House and Gardens
In this latest exhibition, artist Marian Edwards takes inspiration from the objects and plant collections around the historic house and garden, as well as drawing on Byam Shaw’s magnificent portrait of Margaret Nettlefold that hangs in the hallway.
Heritage tours at The Exchange
Saturday 2 May, 11:00-16:00
The Exchange, Centenary Square
Discover The Exchange, opened in 1933 as the Headquarters of Birmingham Municipal Bank and now part of the University. See the banking hall, vaults, and rooms not normally open to the public.
Quiz Night at the Lapworth Museum
Wednesday 6 May, 19:00-21:00
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Join an exciting evening of trivia where you can test your knowledge across a variety of fun categories, all while surrounded by fascinating fossils and our Allosaurus Roary.
Insights into Freelancing, Portfolio careers and the Gig economy
Thursday 14 May, 13:00-16:00
Amos Room, Guild of Students
Meet and network with freelancers, professionals, practitioners and organisations from across the cultural and creative industries in Birmingham and the West Midlands
That's not all! Check out the full What's On page for more.
Get your running shoes at the ready for the Great Birmingham Run
Join #TeamUoB in the Birmingham City Centre for The Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 3 May. The 10k and Half Marathon take place on the same day, so whatever your race and whatever your pace,
PGR Corner
The latest updates from the University Doctoral School (UDS) for Postgraduate Researchers.
Celebrate impact and innovation at the PG Research Festival
The PG Research Festival returns this June, reimagined as a month-long series of events for PGRs. From the Research Poster Competition to skills workshops and networking to the flagship University Doctoral School Showcase on 16 June, the Festival celebrates creativity, collaboration and excellence in postgraduate research. Get your tickets. (https://pgrfestival2026.eventbrite.co.uk/)
Vote for the 3MT People’s Choice Winner
Voting is now open () for the 2026 3MT People’s Choice Award. Watch the finalist presentations (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6zKaMkqNTDH-UMwSgF8nFIMAbmtU4xg0&si=-BxBeW6C0WtidT5T) and show support by choosing your favourite. The winner will be announced during the UDS Awards (https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/student/university-doctoral-school/pgr/awards/index.aspx) , part of the UDS Showcase on 16 June.
Online PGR Group Coaching: Make progress feel possible
Procrastination or feeling overwhelmed are a common experience for many PhD researchers, but the right support can make a real difference. Book your place to attend coaching sessions, led by Dr Vikki Wright to explore practical tools and connect with peers who understand your experiences.
PGT Corner
The latest updates for Postgraduate Taught students.
PGT dissertation support from the Academic Skills Centre
The PGT Essentials series returns from 29 April onward, and the focus is all about dissertations. As well as their online workshops, the Academic Skills Centre is providing more opportunities for you to chat to other PGT students. The PGT Dissertation Conversation sessions are running both in-person and online and are a great opportunity to engage with others at the same stage of study.
Be sure to check out the rest of their programme over the summer too – covering everything from presenting data and perfecting your references to writing, editing and proofreading.
Share your feedback for the chance to win a cash prize
There's still time to fill out the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). Tell us what you think about your programme to help us make improvements, plus you'll have the chance to win £150.
How well do you know the Main Library?
Everyone knows and loves the Main Library but do you know everything this spade has to offer? Zaccie and Cheryl share a helpful hints and tips.
And finally (any other bits)
Discounted rate for Edgbaston Park Hotel for graduates
Celebrate your graduation day without the stress of pricey accommodation. The University’s award-winning Edgbaston Park Hotel is offering a special hotel rate for graduates staying between Saturday 4 – Friday 17 July, so you and your families can enjoy.
Something fresh is brewing at Alan Walters
Opening on Monday 27 April, enjoy Seattle’s Best signature coffee alongside freshly made Food Fellows favourites. Ahead of the opening, there'll be 1,000 free coffees available to get your hands on at the Artisan Market on Tuesday 28 April.
Co-op is coming to campus!
Get the best prices at the new Co-op supermarket in University Centre when it opens in May, by applying for a Co-op Membership card, costing just £1. You can get one at their stall at the Artisan Market on Tuesday 28 April.
Thanks for scrolling this far. You've unlocked TWO freebies
Shoutout to Danyelle and Danish who bagged Old Joe mini models the last Brum Bulletin competitions. Is it your time to win?
We're spoiling you with a double competition!
An Old Joe model, just a few clicks away
Imagine having a tiny version of Old Joe, right on your desk, shelf, or bedside table. You have the chance to win one by entering our YouTube competition where the first twenty students can bag a mini Old Joe figure.
How does a £40 voucher for UoB goodies sound?
With new arrivals like a Teddy Bear keyring to flat caps, the UoB gift shop is packed with goodies. The shop is also expecting a makeover in September! Enter this competition where one lucky student can win a £40 voucher to spend.
If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.